2016–2017 Flu Season

The flu (short for "influenza") can be a serious illness. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is to get a flu shot every year. A flu shot is recommended forall adults and children age 6 months and older.

Flu: What You Can Do

What if you or a family member comes down with the flu? Flu: What You Can Do provides useful information for caring for loved ones with the flu. You will learn:

How to tell if a loved one has the flu.

How to treat a fever and dehydration.

Medications that can lessen flu symptoms.

How to protect other family members from getting the flu.

When to call the doctor or seek emergency assistance through 911.

This free booklet (published by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health) is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Vietnamese, Russian, Khmer, and Chinese.

Who Needs a Flu Shot?

While everyone should get a flu shot each flu season, it's especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Flu vaccine is strongly recommended for:

People at high risk for becoming very ill from the flu

This includes:

Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2.

Adults age 65 and older.

Pregnant women.

People with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic lung disease.

American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

People who live with or care for someone who could become very ill from the flu

This includes:

Family members and caregivers of babies and young children.

Health care workers.

Family members and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic lung disease.